JoAnn (Petrolle) Stack

JoAnn Petrolle Stack

FORMERLY OF STEVENS POINT – JoAnn Petrolle Stack, 90, a beloved wife, devoted mother of five, cherished grandmother, great grandmother and proud bearer of her Italian heritage, passed away peacefully in Waupaca, Wisconsin on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Born in 1934, in Duluth, Minnesota to Antoinette and William (Billy) Petrolle. She attended Saint Mary’s of Notre Dame in Indiana and Saint Scholastica in Minnesota, earning a BS in Education and Psychology. Continuing a lifelong journey of her education, she also earned her Masters from University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, in addition to being one of the first to ever write a thesis on, The Gifted and Talented Students. She was a beloved sixth grade teacher and Principal in Stevens Point, Wisconsin for nearly 35 years. 

Shortly after marrying the love of her life John J. Stack, they moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin in 1963 to run their own business, Prais Religious Goods. Years later it evolved into J. Stack’s Gifts. During that time JoAnn would teach all day and at night work behind the scenes, creating a stunning gift shop with alluring window designs that attracted many admirers. After retiring from teaching she continued with her yearly trips to Italy with family while running a jewelry import business selling to boutiques.

Throughout her life, JoAnn exemplified the warmth, resilience, and strong family values rooted in her Italian Catholic upbringing. She was always filled with laughter, and a welcoming spirit that drew family and friends together for every holiday and special occasions. She was a devoted fan of both the Green Bay Packers and New York Rangers.  

JoAnn is survived by her two sons and three daughters: John, Jr. (Kim Piller), William, Suzanne (Danny) Veseth, Annette (Jeffrey) Rosenthal, and Jennifer Bau. She had a full life with an additional blessing of nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren.

Being born on Christmas Eve, her birthday celebration was during the Christmas holidays, which made it truly the best time of the year for the entire family. She will be greatly missed this holiday season and beyond. Loved ones who preceded her in death, parents, Antoinette and Billy Petrolle, her sister, Kathleen (James) McAuliffie, and her beloved husband John J. Stack.

A Celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at Wisconsin Veterans Home, Main Chapel, King WI, at 11 AM on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, with Visitation held at 10 AM to 11 AM prior to the service.

JoAnn was cared for by the highly skilled professionals at Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI. A heartfelt thank you to all at King for their loving care of a wonderful woman. She appreciated you all.

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